I started getting interested in woodworking a few years ago and started with a few basic hand tools and a Workmate bench in my garage. Not long after that we moved, and into a house with little basement to speak of, no garage and only a small shed so my woodworking plans were put on hold.

Last month we purchased our (almost) dream home, out in the country, near the water (Georgian Bay) with an oversized garage and huge basement (at least these were MY dream features – not necessarily my wife’s). I really enjoy using the garage as a garage, so that left me with almost half the basement for a workshop. It’s about 15’ x 30’ with concrete floors and finished walls and ceiling. Not the way I would have finished it, but it’ll work for now. Lots of room, compared to the garage I started in and I’m sure it will fill up quickly but also do me for many years to come.

Mike, this is a nice looking shop that you have. It looks like you have plenty of room to maneuver between the different tool stations and it looks to be well organized. And having a window in a basement shop is a nice bonus as well since it will admit some natural light into your shop.

You have a nice set of tools to play with as well. That is a nice bench that you have in your shop.

Thanks for the pictures. I enjoyed visiting your shop.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

Thanks everyone. I’m sure it’ll be a continuous work in process. Now to learn some of the basics so I can start building cabinets for all the tools I want/need to buy!

The bench is the Veritas Workbench from Lee Valley (about an hour and a half away from me in Toronto). My philosophy was that without a decent workbench, how can I make decent projects. So rather than butchering my first bench by trying to build it myself, I bought this one instead. I’ve had it only a week but it has already made my time in the shop more enjoyable.

If you remember the area, I’m actually over along Tiny Beaches Rd, north of Balm Beach. The mailing address is Penetang – but I’m about 10-15 minutes out-of-town.

building? Well, got lots of plans on the list – First, make a new top/lid for a blanket box that I made a couple years ago (when I didn’t know what I was doing – not that I know much more now) that the joints have ‘shifted’; end tables for the couch in the rec room; some shelves for the workshop and a lumber rack, a fire box for the wood beside the fireplace, and once I know more, an entertainment stand – and I’m sure my wife will come up with other ‘stuff’ we need. I’m really enjoying the learning experience and no matter how many mistakes I make, it’s all good.